Phil Csoros is ‘people person’

Editor:

  We have a chance this Nov. 4 to send a new style of leader to represent us in the Maine State Senate. Phil Csoros, a member of the Gorham Town Council, is running for the State Senate, and offers us real hope for spending reform. 

  Phil has a reputation as a very fiscally responsible councilor who has voted to reduce spending and eliminate unnecessary positions within government. His efforts are largely responsible for the fact that Gorham property taxes did not go up this year. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone like Phil Csoros working toward this goal in Augusta?

  Phil Csorosis a strong taxpayer advocate, not a career politician. He has served our country in combat as an Air Force pilot and we know he has the courage to stand up to the special interest groups and lobbyists in Augusta. He is also a husband and father of four children and truly a genuine “people person.”

 We ask our fellow Scarborough residents to join us in voting

Phillip A. Csoros for the Maine State Senate on Nov. 4.

Eric and Jennifer Westcott

Scarborough

Flaherty looking out for seniors

Editor:

   I recently received some very valuable information that should be made available to seniors and any citizens of Scarborough who may be struggling to pay their property taxes. Having worked for more than 15 years with seniors as they contemplate moving from their home to a retirement community, I have seen first hand how stressful the issue of property taxes has become. Sean Flaherty, a Scarborough native and candidate for the Maine House of Representatives in Scarborough, is trying to spread the word that little known state funds are available that will ease the burden of Scarborough property taxes, due on Oct. 15. 

   It is so encouraging to have a young man like Sean Flaherty looking out for seniors and others in Scarborough who may be having difficulty during these very uncertain economic times. He grew up in Scarborough, and in talking with people during his campaign for the Maine House, has found many who are retired, have no source of income, and cannot write a check to the town for a growing property tax bill. Those folks should be told of the methods of help available to them.

  Maine residents who paid more than 4 percent of their 2007 income in property taxes may qualify for a rebate. Renters may qualify if they paid more than 20 percent of their income in rent. For low-income seniors, the 4 percent and 20 percent limits are waived. This Maine’s Property Tax and Rent “Circuit Breaker” Refund Program was created to keep people faced with high property values in their homes, but for years, fewer than half of those who qualify for the rebate have filed to receive it. 

To apply for the rebate, you can pick up an application at Town Hall, call Sean Flaherty at 450-4188, email him at seanflahertyforscarborugh@gmail.com, or even file online. The online application is available at  www.maine.gov/taxrelief/revenue. Additional tax reductions are available at the same website for veterans and their relatives, farmers, homeowners, and many businesses. Thank you to Sean for his concern for the citizens of Scarborough during these very challenging financial times.

Gloria Walker

Scarborough

McDonough has what it takes for District 127

Editor:

   Residents of House District 127 have an opportunity to return an outstanding public servant to the Maine Legislature in this election.

Rep. John McDonough of Scarborough built a distinguished record during the 123rd Legislature.  

As a lobsterman, he brings a keen insight into our fisheries issues as the ranking member of the Marine Resources Committee. Reflecting his strong work ethic, he also serves on the Natural Resources Committee.  

 Rep. McDonough stood up for common sense and the rule of law by voting to require that Maine driver’s licenses be issued only to Maine residents who are in the United States legally. Previously, Maine had issued licenses to applicants who didn’t even live in Maine and who were in our country in violation of federal law. He also voted against the so-called “Dirigo tax” of $75 million that the majority party pushed through in the final hours of the legislative session.

Rep. McDonough is a strong advocate for taxpayers and fiscal responsibility in state government. He also has voted to reform our dysfunctional health insurance system to deal with our insurance affordability crisis.

He posted one of the Legislature’s best voting records by casting votes in 95.9 percent of roll calls. Also, his support and votes for a stronger Maine economy and more jobs for our citizens won him a 100 percent rating from the National Federation of Independent Business.

Throughout his term in office, Rep. McDonough has voted for limited taxation, sensible protection of Maine’s environment and the safety of our most vulnerable citizens. He is a tireless advocate for the residents of his district and a superb public servant who deserves reelection.

Rep. Josh Tardy

House Republican Leader

Newport

Elect D’Andrea to lead community

Editor:

  Please cast your vote for Karen D’Andrea for a seat on the Scarborough Town Council.

  Karen has knocked on 1,400 doors and talked with 900 citizens to learn about the important issues that concern us! This is the sort of dedication and commitment that the Town of Scarborough desperately needs on the council into the future. Visit her Web site, www.karenforscarborough.com to read about her conversations with those citizens.

  The council is elected by the citizens to represent our best interest and I believe that Karen will consider that her highest responsibility for the lasting benefit of the community.

  In addition to representing only the citizens, Karen supports quality affordable education, respects our priceless natural resources, backs sensible development, opposes casino gambling, and insists on transparency in local government.

  We now have an unparalleled opportunity for change in our town council and your vote for Karen D’Andrea is one critical step toward that goal.

  Every vote will count in this year’s bell-wether elections, be sure to cast your vote.

Paul Austin

Scarborough